Abstract | RATIONALE: OBJECTIVES: METHODS: Included in the immunohistochemistry study were 10 fetuses, 15 control neonates without primary lung disease, 15 preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome, and 8 infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Tracheal aspirate fluid samples of intubated very-low-birth-weight infants during Postnatal Weeks 1-5 were analyzed with ELISA. RESULTS: Bronchiolar staining for VEGF-C was observed in all 48 samples. Alveolar epithelial staining was seen in most fetuses (8/10). In addition, staining was observed in alveolar macrophages in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (4/8), and late respiratory distress syndrome (2/7). VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) staining was observed in lymphatic endothelium adjacent to vascular endothelium. VEGF-C was expressed consistently in tracheal aspirate fluid, being highest during the first 2 postnatal days. Antenatal administration of glucocorticoids was associated with higher VEGF-C in tracheal aspirate fluid. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of pulmonary VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 protein expression and consistent VEGF-C protein appearance in tracheal aspirate fluid in human preterm infants indicate a role for VEGF-C in the physiologic development of the lymphatic system of the lung.
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Authors | Joakim Janér, Patrik Lassus, Caj Haglund, Karri Paavonen, Kari Alitalo, Sture Andersson |
Journal | American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine
(Am J Respir Crit Care Med)
Vol. 174
Issue 3
Pg. 326-30
(Aug 01 2006)
ISSN: 1073-449X [Print] United States |
PMID | 16690974
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3
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Topics |
- Bronchi
(pathology)
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
- Female
- Fetal Development
- Fetus
(metabolism)
- Gestational Age
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Infant, Newborn
- Infant, Premature
(metabolism)
- Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
(metabolism)
- Lung
(drug effects, embryology, growth & development, metabolism)
- Male
- Regression Analysis
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn
(etiology)
- Trachea
(metabolism)
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3
(metabolism)
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